Page:Stories after Nature.pdf/118

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94
ALFRED OF ENGLAND,

duke came from his paramour. When he heard the hinges of the gate, and saw the head of the duke's steed coming forth, he went into the wood, and blew a blast of defiance upon his horn, which the duke answered.

They met upon a level plain, where the duke dismounted. And Alfred said to him, "Sir, I do arraign you here under heaven, of being the murderer of an innocent and beautiful lady.—Oh! how most innocent and beautiful!—I here stand the champion of your duchess, who is dead through the neglect of such a beast as you; and thus I challenge you." And he struck him on the cheek, and offered him one of the swords. The giant, mad at the blow, seized upon the sword and attacked Alfred desperately; but he being determined on having the life of the duke, defended himself suddenly.

When they had fought some time, Alfred struck him on the head; he reeled against a tree, and fell. And seeing Alfred standing over him, he said, "Pause." Alfred replied, "Sir, you did not pause when your dear lady's life could have been saved through it. You have felt only for yourself, and have sacrificed her. When her pale look and aching eye have begged a merciful hour at your hand, you cared not for